This is the second post in transitioning to the role of General Manager
When managers move from a functional role, they lose the shared identity they have had with the people who work with them. Moreover, general managers sometimes have to make decisions that may not seem to be in the best interests of their old departments. To ensure that there continues to be open and honest communication it is essential that the manager demonstrates fairness, openness and genuine respect.
As a leader promoted from within the team, building trust can be a delicate process. Your team members may still view you as a colleague rather than a leader, which can create a potential power dynamic challenge. Additionally, you may find it difficult to trust colleagues who are now your subordinates. To navigate this transition successfully, you can use the Ability, Integrity, Benevolence theory of trust as a guide to building trust and creating a positive work environment.
Step 1: Establish Clear Boundaries As a leader promoted from within the team, it is essential to establish clear boundaries with your former colleagues. Clarify your new role and responsibilities, and communicate your expectations clearly. Establishing these boundaries can help your team members understand the new power dynamic and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Step 2: Demonstrate Your Ability As a former colleague, you may need to work harder to demonstrate your ability to lead. Show your team members that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to lead them effectively. You can do this by setting clear goals, communicating expectations, and providing guidance and support when needed. Additionally, you can demonstrate your ability by being responsive to your team’s needs and providing timely feedback.
Step 3: Exhibit Your Integrity Integrity is crucial when building trust as a leader. Your team needs to know that you are honest, reliable, and have high ethical standards. As a leader, you can exhibit your integrity by keeping your promises, being transparent in your actions and decisions, and admitting when you make mistakes. Additionally, you should be consistent in your behavior and treat all team members fairly.
Step 4: Show Benevolence As a former colleague, you may have established relationships with your team members based on mutual respect and trust. However, as a leader, you need to show benevolence and demonstrate that you have your team members’ best interests at heart. This can be achieved by being approachable, empathetic, and providing support and encouragement when needed. Additionally, you can show your team members that you care about their well-being by offering flexible working arrangements, recognizing their achievements, and showing appreciation for their contributions.
Step 5: Delegate Responsibilities Delegating responsibilities is an important step in building trust within a team. It shows that you trust your team members’ abilities and are willing to give them autonomy. When delegating tasks, ensure that you provide clear instructions, set realistic deadlines, and provide the necessary resources and support. By delegating responsibilities, you can empower your team members, build their confidence, and foster a sense of ownership and accountability.
Step 6: Build New Relationships As a leader, it is important to build new relationships with your team members that reflect your new role. Take the time to get to know your team members as individuals, understand their strengths, and identify areas for development. By building new relationships, you can establish trust and rapport with your team members and create a positive and productive work environment.
Building trust as a leader promoted from within the team requires careful consideration of the new power dynamic and the need to establish clear boundaries. By using the Ability, Integrity, Benevolence theory of trust as a guide, you can demonstrate your ability, exhibit your integrity, show benevolence, delegate responsibilities, and build new relationships to create a positive and productive work environment that promotes trust and collaboration